In this Names of God reading plan, we are learning more about God by studying the names given to Him in Scripture. Rather than having our writers share their own reflections on these passages, we’ve instead provided research-rich content to aid in your study of each day’s featured name of God, including the background of the name(s), a brief explanation of the character of God emphasized by the name(s), and a reflection question to help you dig deeper into the text.
//
Lord of Armies
Yahweh Tsebaoth, Yahweh Elohim Tsebaoth, Elohim Tsebaoth (Hebrew)
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-11, 2 Samuel 7:22-29, Psalm 80:4-7, Amos 5:14-15, Haggai 2:6-9, Malachi 1:11-14, Luke 2:13-14
Description
The Hebrew root word tsaba, or “a gathering of people,” is frequently used in the Bible to describe armies preparing for war. When paired with the name of God in Yahweh Tsebaoth, it reveres Him as being over hosts of angelic armies who gather in His name and serve at His command. All creation is subject to the LORD of Armies. “LORD of Hosts,” “God of Armies,” and “LORD God of Armies” are versions of this name.
“LORD of Armies” most frequently appears in the Minor Prophets, especially in Malachi, where almost half of the verses in the book contain this name in some form. During the time of the prophets, the people of God were living in exile in Babylon. They faced daily reminders of the presence and power of the enemy armies keeping them in captivity. They called out to God as the LORD of Armies, whose vast angelic armies could deliver them from trouble. LORD of Armies is a name that assures us of the power of our mighty God.
Emphasis
The security, power, and strength of God in the face of His enemies
Reflection
What does this name teach me about God?
I know with confidence that I am protected. I may have many battles but I don’t have to have the pressure of being in charge of fighting. I have the Lord of Armies fighting them. I just really need to make that a practical reality and stop trying to fight my own battles with seeking him.
In light of the coming mid-term elections I see in these passages the God is fighting on our behalf- for our families our towns and our nations. He alone can fight these battles!
❤️❤️
❤️
I have to say I feel forgotten by God so often. I look with longing at my friends growing their families and look at my empty hands. My marriage fell apart and ended. Every relationship since then has not gone very far and all I ever see is my empty hands. After reading this I realize my hands are not empty. God has not forgotten me but I forgot Him. He is enough and what he has for my future will be more than I could ever ask for or imagine. I need to remember this in the waiting times.
Christina, I am so thankful that our Father has spoken to your precious heart through this study. You are never, ever forgotten. He will never leave you, nor forsake you! Praying that He continues to meet you where you are and reveal Himself to you in lovely, wonderful and mighty ways! Amen.
“You are not hidden
There’s never been a moment
You were forgotten
You are not hopeless
Though you have been broken
Your innocence stolen
I hear you whisper underneath your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS
I will send out an army to find You
In the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you
There is no distance
That cannot be covered
Over and over
You’re not defenseless
I’ll be your shelter
I’ll be your armor
I hear you whisper underneath Your breath
I hear your SOS, your SOS
In the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you
I will never stop marching to reach you
In the middle of the hardest fight
It’s true, I will rescue you
I hear the whisper underneath Your breath
I hear you whisper, you have nothing left
I will send out an army to find You
In the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue you
I will never stop marching to reach you
In the middle of the hardest fight
It’s true, I will rescue you”
-Rescue, Lauren Daigle
Georgie: God spoke to me this day through the words of this beautiful song you were kind enough to share with us. I feel so very blessed by this wonderful gift. Thank you!
This character of God supports Paul’s statement in Romans 8:31 “what, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us who can be against us?” We believe in a powerful God who loves and is for us: we have nothing to fear
Lauren Daigle has a song called Rescue that goes great with this passage.